Why Study History - Return to Normandy

Step 1 - Determine strategic steps taken in the D-Day invasion (Operation Overlord). Questions to consider: From where did the allies launch? Where did the allies land? How did such a large force confuse the enemy about their intentions? What forces were sent first? What was the ultimate goal for the mission?

Step 2 - Watch the video Return to Normandy.

Step 3 - With an understanding of the importance of the D-Day invasion to the people of France, and to the world in helping end the tyranny of fascism and the oppression of Hitler’s Nazi regime, answer the essential question. A relative whose father fought in Normandy commented that “history is a living story”. What are the most important factors to consider, when preserving history, so that the living story of history remains relevant to future generations?
The following questions relate directly to the video and may help students brainstorm ideas.

• How does one make history come alive for future generations? (Relate this idea to how the people in France view this event).
• Why should future generations care about the invasion?
• How does a society get new generations to see history as something that’s relevant, especially when the event occurs in a place that’s different from where you live?

Step 4 - With today’s generation in mind, create a symbol or logo that encompasses the significance of D-Day. It is acceptable to have both a symbol and caption/logo, like a catch phrase, that relates to the created symbol. Examples that students can hold in their hand and see are the “state quarters”. Each state has selected images or symbols that best represent what is important about that state. In the symbol students are asked to create, it should be something that represents the battle (Operation Overlord) and can be used to help teach younger generations the events that make this battle important. It could be a symbol that is worn, something that can be placed on a letterhead, or something that can be used on web pages. The symbol should capture the importance of three distinct areas:

• Historical Impact
• Heroes
• Memorialization/History is a Living Story

Step 5 - Students will present their symbol to the class. The teacher should provide students with the rubric so there is an understanding of how their presentation and the symbol will be graded. There should be an emphasis on the three distinct areas highlighted in step 5.

Return to Normandy Rubric for Symbol Task: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZQfzNnsJotYaxIArVZxIMrOfjq1UlAOAeQYh...